The Chicago area offers many faith-based educational institutions that seamlessly blend academic rigor with spiritual development. Need help finding the best one for your child?
To help families make informed choices, this list highlighting the best faith-based schools in the Chicago area, uses a combination of publicly available data from sources like the U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Census Bureau, along with community reviews, survey feedback and academic performance indicators such as test scores and college readiness.
Read on for our guide to the best religious schools in Chicagoland.
Looking for more faith-based schools? Read the following stories:
- Best Faith-Based Schools in Cook County
- Best Faith-Based Schools in DuPage County
- Best Faith-Based Schools in Lake County
Featured faith-based schools in the Chicago area
In this section, Chicago Parent’s advertising partners share their top school offerings.
Christian Heritage Academy
- Address: 315 Waukegan Road, Northfield
- Phone: 847-446-5252
- Grades served: Preschool-Grade 12
- Number of students: 414
- Type: Private School, Religious School
Christian Heritage Academy offers more than just academics; they cultivate deep roots in their students, preparing them to flourish in all aspects of life—now and in the future. From preschool through high school, Christian Heritage Academy’s vibrant community provides fertile ground for growth through excellent academics, leadership opportunities, quality athletics, dynamic performing arts, mentoring, local and international service learning trips, diverse clubs and an engaging student life.
You’ll witness remarkable development in your child’s life at every grade level, leading to a wealth of opportunities upon graduation. It’s the result of Christian Heritage Academy students being rooted in a deep love for God, known within their community, engaged in excellent academics, and inspired to make a difference.
Established in 1984, Christian Heritage Academy’s distinctive and welcoming culture, shaped by our shared mission, unites families from across Chicagoland’s diverse landscape. Positive parent-school partnership is part of their DNA. Experience the unique spirit of their school family first hand by scheduling a visit today!
Immaculate Conception Grade School
- Address: 132 Arthur Street, Elmhurst
- Phone: 630-530-3486
- Grades served: Preschool (3 Year Old)-Grade 8
- Number of students: 556
- Type: Private School, Religious School, Gifted/Talented Program School
At Immaculate Conception Grade School (ICGS), the school partners with parents to prepare students to become Catholic leaders. ICGS offers a rigorous curriculum with classroom differentiation in core subjects such as reading and math, based on student ability. Beginning in 5th grade, students can participate in no-cut sports including track and cross country, basketball, volleyball, and football. ICGS also offers more than 40 clubs and extracurricular activities, including Chess Club, Tech Club, the School Play, Destination Imagination, Battle of the Books, and many more.
Faith formation is a cornerstone of the ICGS experience. Students have multiple opportunities to grow in their faith, including weekly school Mass, Sacrament preparation and retreats, and the involvement of both the Pastor and Associate Pastor. Faith Families—groups made up of students from every grade, 1st through 8th—gather monthly to work on collaborative projects that reinforce community and faith.
The ICGS community is second to none. Parents are highly involved and form close bonds within the school family. The school embraces the “ICGS Family” philosophy, treating every student, parent and staff member with care, respect and a sense of belonging.
Best faith-based schools in the Chicago area
Christian Heritage Academy (A+)
- Address: 315 Waukegan Road, Northfield
- Grades: Preschool–12
- Why It Stands Out: CHA emphasizes academic excellence in an atmosphere designed to nurture each child’s individual gifts and spiritual development. The school offers a comprehensive preK–12 program. Highly qualified, ACSI-certified teachers serve as mentors and role models, encouraging students in their walk with Christ.
Founded in 1984 with 61 students, Christian Heritage Academy began in a rented public elementary school building in Northbrook. In 1994, the school moved to its current 15-acre campus.
Naperville Christian Academy (A+)
- Address: 1451 Raymond Drive, Naperville
- Grades: Preschool–12
- Why It Stands Out: NCA offers a classical Christian education that emphasizes academics and character development. The school boasts small class sizes and a strong student-teacher ratio, fostering personalized attention. With an average ACT score of 31.3 for its first graduating class, NCA demonstrates a commitment to academic excellence.
Founded in 2000 with just three students, Naperville Christian Academy was the first Classical Christian school in the Chicago suburbs. The school added one grade each year through 2013, culminating in its first graduating class. Currently, NCA offers a classical education model with distinct Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric schools.
Daystar Academy (A)
- Address: 1550 South State St., Chicago
- Grades: Preschool–12
- Why It Stands Out: Daystar Academy combines a Christ-centered approach with the globally recognized IB curriculum, emphasizing inquiry-based learning and global engagement. The school prepares students to be transformative leaders with a strong foundation in both faith and academics.
Established in 1997 with 12 students in grades K–4, Daystar Academy began as a vision to provide Christ-centered education. The school has since expanded to offer a full continuum of education, including high school, and became an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School.
Wheaton Academy (A)
- Address: 900 Prince Crossing Road, West Chicago
- Grades: 9–12
- Why It Stands Out: Wheaton Academy highlights spiritual growth and community service. The school prepares students for leadership roles in various fields, fostering a commitment to Christ-centered living.
Founded in 1853 as part of the Illinois Institute by evangelical abolitionists, Wheaton Academy began as a preparatory school later associated with Wheaton College. Under the leadership of Jonathan Blanchard, the academy aimed to provide quality education grounded in Christian principles. Today, Wheaton Academy continues its legacy of academic excellence and spiritual formation.
Schaumburg Christian School (A)
- Address: 200 N. Roselle Road, Schaumburg
- Grades: Preschool–12
- Why It Stands Out: Schaumburg Christian School emphasizes building students who are equipped to stand firm in faith, pursue excellence with purpose and serve others with Christlike love.
Established in 1971, Schaumburg Christian School began with a mission to prepare each student for a successful life through excellent academics, purpose-driven extracurriculars and life-changing biblical instruction in a loving, Christian environment.
Valeo Academy (A)
- Address: 2500 Beverly Road, Hoffman Estates
- Grades: Preschool-12
- Why It Stands Out: Valeo Academy prepares their students to be leaders in every community they live in.
Valeo Academy is a newer institution in the Chicago area, providing a Christ-centered education that combines academic excellence and character development.
Hinsdale Adventist Academy (A)
- Address: 631 E. Hickory St., Hinsdale
- Grades: Preschool–12
- Why It Stands Out: Hinsdale Adventist Academy builds students who are equipped to stand firm in faith, pursue excellence with purpose, and serve others with Christlike love.
Established in 1904, Hinsdale Adventist Academy is part of the Seventh-day Adventist education system, which has a long history of creating quality Christian classes. The academy serves the western suburbs of Chicago, offering a Christ-centered curriculum.
Clapham School (A)
- Address: 123 N. Scott St., Wheaton
- Grades: Preschool–12
- Why It Stands Out: Clapham School offers a academic program that emphasizes classical education principles, including the trivium of grammar, logic, and rhetoric. The school fosters a deep understanding of the Christian faith and encourages students to apply biblical principles in all areas of life.
Founded in 2006, Clapham School is a Christian classical school that prepares students to pursue wisdom, grow in virtue, and stand firm in biblical truth. The school is committed to education founded on a Christian worldview and informed by tradition.
Timothy Christian Schools (A)
- Address: 188 W. Butterfield Rd., Elmhurst
- Grades: Preschool–12
- Why It Stands Out: Timothy Christian Schools offers a Christ-centered environment and a curriculum grounded in a biblical worldview. The school has been honored with the Whole Child Award, Parent Choice Award, and is a Gold member of the AP Honor Roll, reflecting its mission to ignite academic growth.
Established in 1911, Timothy Christian Schools is a private nondenominational Christian school in Elmhurst, Illinois. The school is recognized by the state of Illinois and the DuPage County Education Service Region. Timothy Christian Schools is fully accredited by the North Central Association through Cognia and is recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education.
Chicago Hope Academy (A)
- Address: 2189 W. Bowler St., Chicago
- Grades: 9–12
- Why It Stands Out: Chicago Hope Academy is a Christian college prep high school with an average class size of 15 students. The school offers 13 AP courses and boasts a 100% college acceptance rate for its graduates.
In 2004, a group of Christian businessmen purchased the shuttered St. Callistus School and parish from the Archdiocese of Chicago. With the assistance of hundreds of volunteers, Chicago Hope Academy began a full year of renovation. On Aug. 29, 2005, Chicago Hope Academy welcomed its first freshman and sophomore classes. The school has since expanded its facilities and continues to serve the Near West Side community.
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